Video premiere: Slang Chickens, ‘Romeo’s Distress’
Kevin Bronson on
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The ambitious “Beat LA” compilation released this year by Narnack Records and Greatminds Records not only benefits a great cause – proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders for their continuing efforts in earthquake-stricken Haiti – the project connects the dots between two eras of Los Angeles music. The covers collection features bands from L.A. present revisiting songs from L.A.’s rich lineage. Tracks from the Gun Club, the Plimsouls, X, the Minutemen, the Doors, the Germs and Dream Syndicate are all represented here, with contemporaries No Age (covering the Urinals), Imaad Wasif, Josh Klinghoffer, Boom Bip and Crystal Antlers among the contributors. In the series’ first video, Slang Chickens take on the 1982 Christian Death song “Romeo’s Distress,” with director David Black (per Brendan Donnelly’s script) languorously following guitarist/producer Kenny Woods from the Valley to Hollywood to the Hollywood Hills for a private moment. Interspersed is an interview conducted by Woods’ wife, writer Stacey Grenrock Woods (credited as “Greenrock-Woods”).
I’m glad they’re making videos to promote this cool and adventurous comp. I don’t think Rozz would have enjoyed this version of his anthem, though. But’s that OK, it wouldn’t have been the first time someone else’s music annoyed him. Too bad in 2011 the original lyric has to be watered down for presentation. Now that for sure would have bother Mr. Williams.